Parents and Learners
Online Learning Tools
Learners studying with Red Balloon of the Air predominantly receive their academic and pastoral support via Microsoft. This provides many ‘apps’, most of which run from anywhere, in a web browser or app on your computer, which are preinstalled on all RBAir laptops. They are all linked together, and can be shared by learners, teachers and therapists – all of whom are working and collaborating online together in real time.
Outlook is Microsoft’s answer to email. Learners have full access to an email inbox; they can use their RBAir account to send email to their teachers and receive communications from RBAir directly.
Teams is an instant messenger and communication platform. The teachers at RBAir use this to deliver sessions to learners through Class Teams and it’s also used to talk over the internet using a headset with a microphone and speakers. RBAir makes use of this for learners who are comfortable talking to their teachers with their voice and deliver their sessions using this tool.
PowerPoint is used by teachers to prepare sessions and share them with learners, supplementing this with Teams to deliver sessions online.
Word is a word processor application. Word can also be used collaboratively like PowerPoint to create documents with others.
YouTube is a video streaming service that allows users to watch other people’s videos and upload/livestream their own. Teachers will regularly use YouTube videos during sessions.
GCSEPod RBAir is a subscriber to GCSEPod. If you haven’t yet heard about GCSEPod, here is an introductory video. The GCSEPod learning support system is based around short 3-5 minute learning videos with audio and text, that are called ‘pods’. There are thousands of these pods in the system and learning or revision is exam-board-specific, so you know it will be relevant and helpful. GCSEPod is available for independent use and revision and is also used by teachers during sessions.
Arbor is a Management Information System (MIS) designed to empower staff, improve collaboration, reduce workloads and act as a single source of truth for all learner information (exams, timetables, registers, assessment and much more). Arbor’s MIS is designed to ensure all staff can access a holistic view of their young people including their EHCP to support them most effectively. RBAir use Arbor daily as well as to enhance Senior Leadership decisions directed by data provided by Arbor.
Teachers at RBAir also make use of lots of free online learning tools including, but not limited to: BBC Bitesize, Seneca, Quizlet, corbettmaths.com, mathsbot.com, Transum.org and Focus E-Learning.
